Fox News Channel Wins GOP Debate With Record-Smashing Ratings

It was one of the most anticipated political face-offs ever and it looks like Fox News Channel’s GOP Debate last night was the most watched primary debate ever — Republican or Democrat. In fact, the two-hour debate was the biggest cable telecast ever and hence gave FNC all-time viewership and demo highs. With Donald Trump taking center stage among the 10 candidates picked for the big event in Cleveland, 24 million viewers tuned into watch the shenanigans on FNC from 9-11 PM ET. The cable news network had a huge 7.9 million viewers watching among the key 25-54 demo.

To give that some GOP context, the first Republican debate of the 2012 campaign drew 3.2 million viewers. Like last night’s battle royal, the debut debate of the last election was a year before the vote and was on Fox News. Last night’s GOP debate results are also a big lift from what FNC had last Thursday in the time period. With a 2.6 million lead-in from 8 PM’s The O’Reilly Factor, The Kelly File had 2.34 million viewers at 9 PM and Hannity drew 1.5 million at 10 PM.

While way bigger than expected, the numbers of Thursday’s broadcast co-hosted by FNC’s Bret Baier, Megyn Kelly and Chris Wallace were no real surprise. Earlier in the day metered-market ratings for the debate reveled a huge 16.0 result. The 2012 presidential primary debates averaged 4.5 MM ratings – but then again, they didn’t have the controversial and predictably unpredictable ex-Celebrity Apprentice host as the wolf in the hen house. Generally, top-rated FNC has around a 1.5 MM result on a weeknight. Comparing big-event apples to big-event apples – the USA winning final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup scored a 15.2 MM rating. That July 5 game in Vancouver ended up with 25.4 million viewers, a 7.9 rating among adults 18-49 and a household result of 12.9. Compared with the Closing Ceremony of the Sochi Winter Olympics, FNC and the GOP took the gold. The NBC broadcast of February 2014 had just 15.1 total million viewers.

GOP debates are scheduled for September 17 and October 28 on CNN and CNBC, respectively. The first debate for Hillary Clinton and the other Democrats is inked in for October 13 on CNN. Although he’s certain to be mentioned repeatedly, which Trump card will be played by the Donald’s political competitors?

101 Comments

Well then, thank goodness no one (other than the expected Trump) embarrassed themselves last night.

• on Aug 7, 2015 11:51 am

U MEAN LIKE YOURSELF NOW

Mike • on Aug 7, 2015 10:37 am

People are hoping for some type of salvation from our current bad set of leaders.

Totaly disappointed he lost my vote. • on Aug 7, 2015 11:00 am

I thought Donald had learned some lessons but he hasn’t. If he should go with an independent party he will divide the Republican party and the Democrats will win. He totally turned me off by the way he addressed Meghan. I give Meghan kudos for letting me see the worst of him. No Class-!!! He definitely lost my vote!!!

Joshua Tecumseh • on Aug 7, 2015 12:00 pm

Really? Meghan is a pig and the way her and fox news treated Donald last night was disgusting so i guess you better for for Hillary because Donlad will be the republican nom…Deal with it hun…Deal with it..lol

Dixon Steele • on Aug 7, 2015 1:44 pm

Get off your knees, Josh. The Donald doesn’t go that way…

• on Aug 8, 2015 10:41 pm

Sounds like you already gave it a shot Dixion.

• on Aug 7, 2015 5:04 pm

I agree–Megyn Kelly is terrible!!

• on Aug 10, 2015 4:04 pm

simple answer is if you are for trump just quit watching the Kelly files on fnc and her. ratings will go down and they will fire her.

• on Aug 10, 2015 4:10 pm

I aagree with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

carl neville • on Aug 7, 2015 1:36 pm

what debate were you watching?????

Sam McAllister • on Aug 8, 2015 2:31 pm

Congratulations, Fox News, on the incredible viewership ratings for the Republican debate. Now let’s see what happens to your ratings starting next week. I, for one, have removed all Fox News settings from my VCR save Hannity. I couldn’t believe I was watching Fox as Brett, Chris and especially Megyn turned an important event into a National Enquirer exposé. Shame on you. Our nation faces international threats, a Contitutional crisis, unsustainable debt, a shrinking military, pending economic collapse and a border crisis (just to name a few) and Megan (undoubtedly with corporate approval) wants to talk about Rosie O’Donnel’s feud with Donald Trump. Do you really have that much disdain for the intellectual level of your viewing audience?
Henceforth I’ll seek other, more intelligent sources for my news.

Cookie • on Aug 8, 2015 3:12 pm

Haha why were you watching Fox News in the first place if you require intelligent news?

• on Aug 8, 2015 7:21 pm

I could not have expressed it more clearly.
Bill O’Reilly will have to compromise his integrity to support what Kelly pulled off.
Will now see what Fox News really is.

• on Aug 8, 2015 7:43 pm

Agree 100 %. Hope Fox News ratings hits the lowest of low. To match their low down tactics. We will not watching the next debate or the fox news network, especially the Kelly File .

• on Aug 12, 2015 6:08 am

Megan was rude to him. Why is she allowed to be rude and he is not allowed to defend himself. Is it because people think women can do no wrong. I will never watch her show again. She wants to act like she is an authority on what all women think. Last time I checked she had not asked me. Women like her look down on people they think are beneath then. After seeing types of pictures she poses for she is no lady in my book.

John CHESNA • on Aug 19, 2015 6:26 pm

Who cares about your vote! Megyn Kelly was a rude pig! She should go home and raise her children, like a real mom!!!! Fox should dump her sad ass $!!!

Anton Tesla • on Aug 7, 2015 11:10 am

just in time for everyone missing Honey Boo Boo and 18 Kids and a Child Molestor!

Alex • on Aug 7, 2015 2:35 pm

Wait until the Democrat debate, THAT will be a real freak show.

Cookie • on Aug 7, 2015 5:13 pm

Haha how so? There’s like 3 candidates. 2 out 3 play it pretty boring right down the middle. Versus 17– 1 who is the biggest narcissist to grace politics ever.

Maguerite • on Aug 8, 2015 6:29 am

Sigh.. unfortunately it won’t because they are treated as royalty. Who pulls the strings at the top for liberalism in it’s most awful format (i consider killing babies at the rate you do as murder) we don’t know. But many have sold their souls to whoever that might be. So tiny kid gloves will be donned and there will be much smiling and clapping politely. This is global and the world is in a mess of note. Check out Europe with this foolish stance.

Mona F. Johnson • on Aug 7, 2015 11:10 am

Kelly, you were so bigoted. I thought the debate was to help Americans get a good prospective, but you and your coherts made it an exquisition. You disappointed us greatly. We like Donald even more for putting up with your hateful and calculating questions!

Judy Beard • on Aug 7, 2015 11:45 am

Right on! I totally agree with you. Megyn made a fool of herself. Thought you would stick to the issues and not insult Trump the way you did with a “set-up” of questions that had nothing to do with the issues facing this country. I have never liked you or your show. Sorry they moved Hannity to a later time slot. You must have wanted attention and you got it by your disgusting questions. GO TRUMP!!

louferrari • on Aug 7, 2015 11:46 am

@Mona, I think you might have meant that Meghan Kelly was trying to lead an “inquisition” of Trump, not an “exquisition” — the latter is a nonexistent term in the English language. This is why I WORRY so much about Right-leaning voters and Trump supporters — I’m just thinking your illiterate response may be a disservice to WOMEN and Meghan Kelly, even if I think that Fox News is one of the most vile, “Repugnant” news organizations to ever rise from the muck.

Sorry, I just had to get that off my chest — my bad! ;-D

Linda Miller • on Aug 7, 2015 3:53 pm

Louferrari FYI I’ts Megyn Kelly..

Becky Lou (@BeckyLouOutdoor) • on Aug 8, 2015 9:44 am

LOL! Good One!!

Maguerite • on Aug 8, 2015 6:32 am

You have fallen into the same trap – her name apparently is spelled Megyn. You never know if someone is writing in their mother tongue or not and English is definitely not a god that everyone should follow.

• on Aug 7, 2015 11:50 am

U GO

maya flikop • on Aug 7, 2015 12:24 pm

I totally agree! Megan Kelly was unprofessional and small. She tried to set the tone of insults on Donald Trump, and she sparkled a wrong tone for the important debates. She was not interested in the candidates, but wanted to use the moment to be noticed and talked about later.. She made the debates not about the candidates but about the mediators. Kelly should not be allowed to moderate high-level political events. Maybe, just some hair and sexy clothes discussions… In her show, she, any way, fully relays and depends on the FOX professional contributors. Shame on you, Kelly.

• on Aug 10, 2015 4:09 pm

I totally agraee

Dixon Steele • on Aug 7, 2015 1:43 pm

Mona,

Your illiterate nonsense proves why the GOP are a bunch of sad losers.

Maguerite • on Aug 8, 2015 6:34 am

I know a scientist who would probably write exactly like that, but he does speak 6 other languages. You won’t find mistakes in his native German though.

How could it not attract a big audience? America has had a long history in loving its’ homegrown spectacles of the bizarre — circus acts, horse diving competitions, Ripley’s Believe It or Not traveling shows, police car chases, midget bowling — and now we can add Fox News Presidential Debates to that list.

Cookie • on Aug 7, 2015 3:09 pm

Exactly. Hilarious how the drudgies on here are viewing the ratings as agreement with their twisted world view. News flash: the Dems love the Donald as much as his looney base does. He’s gonna hand Clinton the presidency on a silver platter.

Robert Singleton • on Aug 7, 2015 11:48 am

HORRIBLY disappointed in the journalists attacks.

• on Aug 7, 2015 11:48 am

She asked a completely fair question. I thought he did ok during the debate. But his after debate tweets against her completely prove her point. If Donald Trump can’t handle the heat now, than how is he going to handle the general election?
The guy says he has no time to be politically correct but that just sounds like an excuse to be a douche. Just goes to show that no amount of money can buy class.

• on Aug 7, 2015 12:28 pm

Well as they say you can talk the talk. But can you walk the walk Mr. Trump???!! This is not a game it is so more serious. The World, America, all living persons . Truly it’s not about finance, it’s much more. Finance comes in second, does Mr. Trump know the real answer——————?.

Maguerite • on Aug 8, 2015 6:37 am

Simply compare him to yourself – you don’t have to ask others. I fall very far short. I’ve failed at a lot of businesses. So where are YOU on the Forbes list? Perhaps totally in other moral high grounds as well?

Cookie • on Aug 7, 2015 5:16 pm

Had he an ounce of professionalism or intelligence he could’ve used that as an opportunity to explain himself. She was doing him a favor because he’ll have to answer it to the general public ultimately, that is if he ever wants to broaden his appeal beyond the angry, inferiority complex suffering base of his, which he won’t. Because he can’t. Because his ego is too big.

Robert S. Harris • on Aug 7, 2015 12:05 pm

Kelly and Wallace showed their true colors as liberal media mavens last night! Trump will rise above the snide comments and mean questions and will be stronger in the final analysis!! Bret Baier was the only real journalist on that interrogation panel!

cadavra • on Aug 7, 2015 3:31 pm

Kelly and Wallace are liberals? Please, please send me a kilo of whatever it is you’re smoking, because that’s some dynamite shit!

• on Aug 7, 2015 5:06 pm

I agree–Kelly and Wallace–shame on them!

John Todd • on Aug 7, 2015 7:09 pm

For the first time I can remember I am watching CNN between 9:00p and 10:00p, I will not watch Megan Kelly ever again, she belongs on MSNBC. They have Donald Trump on now and he is very adamant about Megan Kelly, an I with the 1000’s perhaps 10’s of 1000’s of people agree Kelly was unprofessional, biased, unethical in her questioning. Fox News blew an opportunity to put their best foot forward with 24 million viewers. Shame on you Fox, fire Kelly. Suggest Robin Mead or Sherryll Attkinsson as great replacements for Kelly.

Sean kenedy • on Aug 7, 2015 12:11 pm

Megyn Kelly is the queen of egotistical arrogance!! One need not look any further than to surmise or fathom by watch the cunning manipulative Megyn, set up her underhanded deceptive question to Trump, regarding women. How stupide does Fox network believe that the TV audience are, when all the butt kissing co-commentators kept address the subject of how badly and insulting Trump was to the Machiavellian Megyn? To add additional insult, please count the numerous times that the princesses of political manipulation in the post interviews also kept repeating, to all the other commentators and guest; that all the women in the country were very upset with Trump. It’s blatantly clear that all the fake make-up on the face of the unscrupulous Megyn face couldn’t hide her personal disdain for Trump. Her pompous, narcissistic is also obvious by spelling her name, Megyn as oppose to every other Megan..

Dixon Steele • on Aug 7, 2015 1:47 pm

You mean the way you spell “kenedy”, instead of Kennedy.

Cookie • on Aug 7, 2015 3:11 pm

Sean has displayed quite a lot of “creative” spelling here in his post.

John Domagala • on Aug 7, 2015 12:33 pm

The debate was uninformative. It was for entertainment and not to learn about the candidates. The questions were ridiculous. Fox was among the last of the news stations….you have stooped to MSNBC levels.

Iakovos • on Aug 7, 2015 12:43 pm

Maybe FOX should let its broadcast network carry the debates, too. The numbers FOX NEWS generated clearly outpace whatever is running these dog days. I think there was a missed opportunity. Who is smarter than fifth grader working on corporate synergy?

Monitor Mouse • on Aug 7, 2015 12:45 pm

WHAT A JOKE. Have it in John kasichs backyard. Hook your old pal up Rupert. I know it’s going to be in Cleveland next year. But they could of saved millions by just having it at Fox News studio and saved tons of money. The only people who made out were kasichs and the city of Cleveland.

Larry Williams • on Aug 7, 2015 12:51 pm

I normally watch Megyn Kelly and Hannity not cause I like you. You can’t like somebody you don’t know. But the way you treated Donald Trump was disrespectful and unprofessional. What I saw with you and Chris Wallace was appalling. You gave more time and respect to the GOP candidates who are the problem in the first place. They are smart and deceitful in the polished presentations of the RNC. You bought right into it. First of all you should apologize to Donald Trump. You have said derogatory things about men and you know it. I can’t stand Rosie from years of having to listen to, she got what was coming to her. You need a little more humility around elders and besides Donald Trump has forgotten more than you know, of which you think you know more than you do. Donald Trump has suffered more than you know to get where he is and learned the lessons he has needed to learn. Don’t mistake his confidence for arrogance. Last but least like Gen. George S. Patton he was mistaken for arrogant, but read the history he was a real fighter with a very gentle heart when it came to his men. Being tough does not being insensitive. They don’t make men like them today, but Donald Trump has had to put up with modern day feminism which demeans men and he won’t stand for it.

Ian • on Aug 7, 2015 12:54 pm

Shocked by Megyn’s behaviour last night. Can’t wait for the next one, still. Hopefully Cruz wins the nom.

Elaine • on Aug 7, 2015 1:02 pm

So disappointed in Fox panel/journalists. I have always liked all three of the moderators but their attitude was one of superiority last night. Trying to one up the candidates was not the point of this debate. Come on Fox employees you can conduct yourself better than that performance especially Meghan Kelly! Disgusting!

• on Aug 7, 2015 1:17 pm

Meghan. No Class-!!!

James Alexander • on Aug 7, 2015 1:39 pm

Meghan Kelly outdid herself as a sick moderator. If anyone intentionally tries to be more foul, bias and unfair than Kelly was with Donald Trump, they won’t get to first base. Maybe the bad words Trump tweeted about the fat lady should be about Kelly, too. Her attitude was reflective of a woman scorned. Maybe she came on to Trump at some time and he rejected her. All in all, the panel disgraced itself with their obvious attempt to denigrate Trump and assure he not win the debate. Fox news now joins CNN and MSNBC as news media slugs.

ginag675 • on Aug 7, 2015 1:31 pm

Totally disappointed in the FOX questions during the debates — especially the Megyn Kelly AMBUSH of Donald Trump. I thought you were better than that Megyn – SHAME ON YOU! There were so many “gotcha questions” instead of helping us learn more about the candidates. Ever since you got your own show, you’ve changed … or maybe your true colors are coming out. FOX, please move HANNITY back to 9PM!

kathi serr • on Aug 7, 2015 1:34 pm

Fox News was unfair to some Republicans at the debate. Some of the candidates hardly got to talk or answer questions at all. Why did Scott Walker get more questions than the others, and why was Rand Paul allowed to interrupt everyone? Fox news is supposed to be fair and Balanced, but it was not. Very disappointed. And what was the personal attack on Donald Trump?

Cookie • on Aug 7, 2015 3:14 pm

Ha! You’re just now discovering they have an agenda and aren’t “fair and balanced” at all?

carl neville • on Aug 7, 2015 1:34 pm

so much for fair and balance.from the start fox news had it out for Donald trump.i think people should boycott fox news all together.megyns actions towards trump was so clear that she does not like him and all got questions except trump on how hey would run the country while trump stood there and held his ground.dont come crying to all of us fox if he changes partys,you were the ones that got it going.

Larry Williams • on Aug 7, 2015 1:40 pm

The truth of the matter in last nights RNC Debates was that Megyn Kelly and Chris Wallace showed their bias in their moderation of Donald Trump. Basically they are out of his league. He is clear on the concept. Chris Wallace has no excuse he is older and wiser one would think. But age doesn’t always make one wise. Megyn you just think you know more than you do. You need a glass of humility. But as I have watched Fox 40 news I have been shocked at some of the things that come out of your mouth. They are to your detriment. I can dismiss them for your age and inexperience , but Wallace he should know better. Bret was a complete gentleman as always. Very professional without taking sides, what you as a moderator are supposed to do. You Megyn and Chris broke the “Cardinal “of taking sides and attacking sides. Don’t help the DNC their the side of evil we need to remove. They are cancer and that party is dead if the Republicans continue to reveal them for who they are

silvia • on Aug 7, 2015 1:57 pm

I was hoping to learn more about the candidates instead the debate was about Megyn Kelly not liking Mr. Trump. There were very important issues to present to Mr. Trump instead of getting into his entertainment show. Megyn lowered herself to a standard that I am not proud of as a woman. We all could make a good decision on whom to vote for if we could hear from the candidates on what they would do for this country. There are bigger problems in this country other than who called who fat!!!! Please get some other people to do any future debates. These people were boring with their questions.

• on Aug 7, 2015 2:05 pm

Very sad to see Fox acting like NBC

• on Aug 7, 2015 2:11 pm

Megyn Kelly

Your initial question to Donald Trump was the slimiest and most low-brow thing I have ever seen you do. I always thought you to be bright, articulate and fair to a fault, but that showboat, kick-in-the-balls question was unbelievably churlish, unprofessional and meant to cause a sensation rather than get an answer to a legitimate political issue. In addition, all three of you moderators were dead set on puffing yourselves up like peacocks and solely interested in childish ‘gotcha’ questions. I will NEVER look at you the same as will millions of other viewers and I have always been a longtime Fox News fan.

Faux • on Aug 7, 2015 3:30 pm

Shouldn’t Trump be accountable for the things he says? I don’t understand the outrage here… I’m a little surprised how quickly the Fox-bots are turning on their own network. It’s gonna get a lot worse from here folks.

slnnich • on Aug 7, 2015 2:38 pm

Disappointed in Megyn Kelly. NOT fair NOT balanced toward Donald Trump! I M NOT a fan anymore.

Patrick J Dougan Sr • on Aug 8, 2015 10:06 am

Donald may not be as articulate as the Progressive slime around him excluding Rand Paul which I believe would make a great Commander in Chief also. We need people that are willing to stand up for what is right and stick to our Constitution and remove those who refuse to. This debate got way off track with the questions about Women by Megyn Kelly What does anyone thinks about women personally have to do with being elected President I am so loosing faith in Fox News because of this.

Joanne Hanlon • on Aug 8, 2015 1:00 pm

I won’t have the interest in watching Meghen Kelly anymore. It was not fair & balance.Matter of fact, she was mean. Rosie has insulted many people. Nothing is ever mention ,how many people he’s good to. Donald Trump is a good American. He will fight for America, He has what it takes, all the way around. Is there something going on at Fox News. It was Terrible how Trump was treated.

• on Aug 8, 2015 7:49 pm

i lost all my respect to fox news. they used this debate to target trump unfairly and were asking questions which is far away from presidential related questions. trump is in it to win as a republican and to make america great again. he uses his own money to run for president. people know he made money and fame. he wanted to give away to the country to make it great again.